This is what it should look like as you go through the engine designer. The same thing is true of the car designer, but that can be another group of photos. Once you realize the mistake, you'll learn to recognize it. We have all done it, rushing through the designer, and completely forgetting about VVT and VVL.
I will go through the screens, but the main thing is, if it has a red or yellow box around it, this will have to be selected by you, the user. Other options have default values, or will be grayed out depending on other options. Quality sliders are always optional and defaulted to zero.
Bottom End:
Bore and Stroke will have default values. Make special note there are two boxes under Engine Block. You'll have to choose the block configuration AND the number of cylinders. Everything else on this screen will have to be selected before you can move on.

Top End:
Compression and Cam Profile will have default values. The two boxes in yellow are easily missed but will have to be selected by you, the user. Also, as with Engine Block above, Head and Valves is two boxes. One box for head type, and another for number of valves on each cylinder. Everything else on this screen will have to be selected before you can move on.

Aspiration:
Aspriation will have to be selected. If you choose Naturally Aspirated, everything else on this screen will be grayed out. If you choose a Forced Induction (currently only Turbo Charger is available), then you will have to select the two boxes in PINK. The rest of the fields will have default values.

Fuel System:
Fuel Mixture, Ignition Timing, and RPM Limit have default values. All other sections, highlighted by red boxes, will have to be selected by you, the user, before moving on.

Exhaust:
All red boxes must be selected before moving on. Anything not highlighted with a red box will be at a default value and can be changed or left alone.

If you've done everything right and have missed no options, you'll be able to use the red box on this screen to test your engine. If it is not able to test the engine, you've missed something.

Now you've seen how to make a successful engine in Automation, and you know all of the settings for my 6.2L V8! Hope this is helpful!